Food Around the World: 15 IELTS Words from Band 6 to Band 8
Weekly vocabulary, week 6
Fifteen words drawn from the theme of food around the world, grouped by the band they belong to. Each one comes with a definition, a sentence showing it at work, and the mistake examiners see most often.
Band 6 words
Five words at band 6.
technique (noun) — A particular way of doing something, especially one that requires skill
Scientists have developed new techniques for analyzing genetic data.
Watch out: A "technique" is how you do something (method). "Technology" is tools and equipment.
Common pairings: teaching technique, research technique, advanced technique, effective technique
dramatic (adjective) — Sudden and striking; relating to drama
There has been a dramatic increase in online shopping.
Watch out: "Dramatic" = striking/theatrical. "Dramatically" = adverb form.
Common pairings: dramatic increase, dramatic change, dramatic improvement, dramatically
occur (verb) — To happen, especially unexpectedly; to exist or be found
Major earthquakes occur most frequently along tectonic plate boundaries.
Watch out: Double the 'r' in past tense: "occurred" not "occured".
Common pairings: frequently occur, naturally occur, occur when, occur due to
aid (noun) — Help or support, especially of a practical nature; financial or material assistance
International aid was essential for rebuilding the region after the disaster.
Watch out: "Aid" is uncountable when meaning help in general. "An aid" (countable) means a tool or device.
Common pairings: foreign aid, financial aid, aid agency, with the aid of
peak (noun) — The highest point, level, or value
Tourism reaches its peak during the summer months.
Watch out: "Peak" as noun (the peak), verb (peaked at), or adjective (peak season).
Common pairings: reach a peak, peak at, at its peak, peak season
Band 7 words
Five words at band 7.
overall (adjective) — Taking everything into account; including all parts or aspects
The overall trend shows a gradual increase in life expectancy.
Watch out: "Overall" summarises the whole. Use it to introduce main trends, not small details.
Common pairings: overall trend, overall increase, overall performance, overall effect
impose (verb) — To force something to be accepted or put in place; to establish by authority
The government decided to impose stricter regulations on emissions.
Watch out: "Impose" suggests force or authority. "Implement" is more neutral. Impose has negative connotations.
Common pairings: impose restrictions, impose a ban, impose sanctions, imposed on
found (verb) — To establish or start an organization, institution, or business
The university was founded in 1850 by a group of local educators.
Watch out: Don't confuse with "find" (past: found). "Found" meaning establish has "founded" as past tense.
Common pairings: founded in, founded by, founding member, newly founded
predict (verb) — To say what will happen in the future based on available information
Experts predict that global temperatures will rise by 2 degrees this century.
Watch out: "Predict" is based on evidence. "Forecast" is similar but often for weather or economics. "Guess" has no evidence.
Common pairings: predict that, accurately predict, difficult to predict, predict the future
regime (noun) — A system of government, especially one that is strict or authoritarian; a systematic plan or course of action.
The new regulatory regime has imposed stricter controls on financial institutions.
Watch out: Using 'regime' only for political governments. It can also mean a system or plan (e.g., exercise regime).
Common pairings: political regime, regulatory regime, tax regime, strict regime
Band 8 words
Five words at band 8.
cogent (adjective) — Clear, logical, and convincing
She presented a cogent argument for the proposed changes.
Watch out: "Cogent" = compelling/persuasive. "Cogently" (adverb).
Common pairings: cogent argument, cogent reasoning, cogent case, cogently argued
coherence (noun) — The quality of being logical and consistent
The essay lacks coherence and is difficult to follow.
Watch out: "Coherence" = logical consistency. "Coherent" (adjective).
Common pairings: lack of coherence, internal coherence, coherence between, textual coherence
cardinal (adjective) — Of the greatest importance; fundamental
Trust is a cardinal principle of good governance.
Watch out: "Cardinal" = most important. Also: cardinal number (1, 2, 3) vs ordinal (1st, 2nd).
Common pairings: cardinal rule, cardinal principle, cardinal sin, cardinal importance
contingent (adjective) — Dependent on certain circumstances
The deal is contingent on approval from regulators.
Watch out: "Contingent on/upon" = depending on. "Contingency" (noun) = possibility.
Common pairings: contingent on, contingency plan, contingent upon, contingent workforce
hegemony (noun) — Leadership or dominance, especially by one country over others
The empire maintained hegemony over the region for centuries.
Watch out: "Hegemony" = dominant influence. "Hegemonic" = adjective form.
Common pairings: cultural hegemony, economic hegemony, political hegemony, hegemonic
Mistakes to avoid
Incorrect use of "contingent"
Correct usage: "contingent" - dependent on certain circumstances
"Contingent on/upon" = depending on. "Contingency" (noun) = possibility.
Incorrect use of "hegemony"
Correct usage: "hegemony" - leadership or dominance, especially by one country over others
"Hegemony" = dominant influence. "Hegemonic" = adjective form.
Incorrect use of "dramatic"
Correct usage: "dramatic" - sudden and striking; relating to drama
"Dramatic" = striking/theatrical. "Dramatically" = adverb form.
Practise the words
Fill each gap, then check yourself against the answers underneath.
- The deal is _______ on approval from regulators.
- Trust is a _______ principle of good governance.
- Tourism reaches its _______ during the summer months.
- The _______ trend shows a gradual increase in life expectancy.
- The essay lacks _______ and is difficult to follow.
Answers: contingent, cardinal, peak, overall, coherence
Listening tip
Write answers as you hear them - don't wait until the end.
Build Your Vocabulary
See These Words in Action
Go Deeper with Premium Vocabulary
These words are from Week 6: Food Around the World of our vocabulary program. Subscribers get 15 new IELTS words every week with exercises, quizzes, and practice passages.